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Laser Hair Removal is a cosmetic, yet still a medical procedure
which uses a pulsing beam of light called a laser light to
remove unwanted hair on the face and all over the body. What
happens is that the laser shoots beams which travel below
the skin surface and kills the hair follicle. Once the hair
follicle is hit by the laser, it dies because of the heat
from the laser beam. Unfortunately, in most cases of laser
hair removal, this doesn’t kill the hair follicle completely
but hopefully it does slow the growth of the hair. Most times
it can take several treatments on that one hair follicle to
totally eliminate it so it doesn’t grow back again.
Most laser hair removal is done on the face, arms,
armpits, legs and bikini area.
Is this laser hair removal safe?
What’s interesting about this form of hair removal
is that it is safer for some people than for others. Those
that are naturally blonde have greater risks than those that
are brunette. And interestingly enough, those that have darker
skin are at a greater risk with laser hair removal than those
that have lighter skin. In fact, most dermatologists will
tell you that people that have white hair, light brown hair,
light red hair or light blonde hair cannot use this from of
treatment for hair.
What is the procedure with your doctor when you do
laser hair removal?
You’ve decided that this procedure is for you. You’re
feeling good about it so now you’re going to meet with
your doctor. The information needed by your doctor regarding
your laser hair removal procedure:
• Medical history – Your doctor will ask you
many questions about past condition and medications you are
taking. Answer as accurately as possible.
• Photos of the area to be treated – Pictures
of the specific areas will be taken from different angles.
• Benefits and what to expect – Your doctor will
speak to you about what to expect after the procedure and
in the future.
How will my laser hair removal procedure work?
Don’t be alarmed that you will be handed a pair of
goggles to protect your eyes from the light during your laser
hair removal procedure. At some points you may feel a bit
of a slight stinging. If that happens, they will then put
some local anesthetic on the area. The larger the area being
treated with laser hair removal, the longer it will take.
What happens after my laser hair removal procedure?
There may be a bit of redness and puffiness for a day or
so after your procedure. Also expect the doctor to tell you
the following:
• Do not go into direct sunlight for several weeks
• Do not exercise for 24-48 hours
• Don’t pick at the areas that were treated during
your laser hair removal procedure
• Gently wash the area with a soap that is for sensitive
skin
How much does laser hair removal cost?
First of all, check with your medical insurance and check
to see if any of this procedure is covered. Some insurance
companies may now cover laser hair removal, but most will
not.
Also, be aware that most times, there has to be 6-8 treatments
to slow regrowth or totally kill the hair follicle. This has
to be a consideration when contemplating laser hair removal.
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